UMS Skeldar has won a contract for an unmanned, airborne reconnaissance system for the German Navy.

The contract was procured through UMS Skeldar’s Munich-based partner and prime contractor, Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH (ESG), and the system was specified by the Federal military procurement agency, Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw).

The NATO-compliant heavy fuel rotary UAV Skeldar V-200 is scheduled to be deployed from the German Navy Corvette Class 130 by the end of 2019.

V-200B

The Skeldar V-200B variant unmanned helicopter will provide additional reconnaissance capabilities extending existing on-board sensors through in-flight real-time imagery and intelligence gathering.

The contract includes a Skeldar V-200 unmanned aircraft system consisting of two unmanned aerial vehicles as sensor carriers, integration of the system into the Class 130 Corvette, a spare parts package and training of ship-borne operators and maintenance personnel.

Cavalli-Björkman, CEO of the UMS Skeldar, said: “This is an important contract and confirms our capability and commitment to working with the German Navy and other world navies. Skeldar V-200 was conceived as a maritime platform, and we have continued a programme of enhancements including technical, sensor and flight endurance along with our superior industry-leading engine manufactured by German-based Hirth Engines. The unmatched flight endurance and time between overhauls (TBO) make our system first choice for navy commanders.”

Christoph Weber, Executive Vice President Defence + Public Security of ESG, added: “This contract represents an important milestone for us, in partnership with UMS Skeldar. Our collaborative industry-leading development of rotary UAVs, backed by ESG’s established supply of innovative electronics, avionics and associated services to the German defence forces provides the template for further developing this important strategic asset for the German Navy.”

Watch our recent video interview with UMS Skeldar about the V-200:

 

 

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